CA2407969C - Fiber optic based light ornament - Google Patents
Fiber optic based light ornament Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2407969C CA2407969C CA002407969A CA2407969A CA2407969C CA 2407969 C CA2407969 C CA 2407969C CA 002407969 A CA002407969 A CA 002407969A CA 2407969 A CA2407969 A CA 2407969A CA 2407969 C CA2407969 C CA 2407969C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- light
- bundle
- optical
- optical fibers
- fused
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S10/00—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect
- F21S10/005—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect using light guides
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S4/00—Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources
- F21S4/10—Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources with light sources attached to loose electric cables, e.g. Christmas tree lights
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0005—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type
- G02B6/0008—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type the light being emitted at the end of the fibre
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/04—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2121/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
- G02B6/4298—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements coupling with non-coherent light sources and/or radiation detectors, e.g. lamps, incandescent bulbs, scintillation chambers
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
- Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
A decorative light assembly comprises a plurality of optical fibers formed into a bundle having a length greater than one inch, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, and a second end that is fused for providing the received light as decorative illumination. The decorative light assembly is for use on, e.g., Christmas trees, windows.
doors, etc.
doors, etc.
Description
FIBER OPTIC BASED LIGHT ORNAMENT
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to decorative lights and, more particularly, to fiber optic based decorative lights or ornaments.
Fiber optic Christmas trees are well known such as the one illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 5,422,797 issued June 6, 1995 to Shattan. In a fiber optic Christmas tree, individual optical fibers, or strands, are arranged on the tree to provide illumination. A light source is, e.g., located at the base of the tree. The light source can utilize a color-wheel, of one or more colors, so that the color of the light emitted by each strand changes over time.
Unfortunately, a portion of the consumer market does not care for fiber optic trees for the simple reason that they "lack light." In other words, the intensity of the light output from each of the strands of optical fiber is dimmer in comparison to a more conventional Christmas tree utilizing electric light bulbs for illumination.
However, electric ligh't sets for use as decorative items on, e.g., a Christmas tree, are not without their own problems. For example, although one can typically change their blinking frequency - one cannot change the overall color pattern once the electric lights are on the Christmas tree.
In addition, and of even more concern, is their reliability -an electric bulb may fail. Indeed, depending on the design of the light set, a single electric bulb failure may cause a number of other bulbs to stop working. In this case, repair is somewhat problematic as one must first locate the failed bulb, which can be time-consuming. In addition, if a failure occurs while the light set is on the Christmas tree -intermixed with garland and other ornaments - it may be very inconvenient and difficult to repair. As a result of the reliability issue, common sense dictates that a string of bulbs 'be tested beforehand - again a labor and time-consuming -I-effort. Regardless, spending the time to test an electric bulb set before placement on the Christmas tree does not ensure a bulb will not fail once arranged on the Christmas tree.
in view of the above, further improvements in decorative lighting arrangements would be desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the invention provides a decorative light assembly comprising a plurality of optical fibers formed into a bundle having a length greater than one inch, the bundle having a first end for.receiva.ng light, and a second end that is fused for providing the received light as decorative illumination. The fusing of the individual optical fibers at the second end of the bundle results in a mixing, or combining, of the light from each of the individual strands.
Thus, the overall illumination from the fused end is brighter than the light from an individual strand and is comparable, if not better than, the illumination from an electric light bulb.
In addition, the reliability of such a decorative light assembly is better than that of an electric light bulb since there is no bulb to fail.
In an ernbodiment of the invention, an ornament such as a Christmas tree is decorated with a number of optical bundles, each optical bundle having a fused end and an un-fused end.
The Christmas tree includes a light. source for coupling light into the un-fused end. Illumination, or decorative lighting, of the Christmas tree is provided by the light emitted from the fused ends of the optical bundles.
In other embodiments of the invention, other ornaments, objects or items, are decorated with optical bundles having a fused end and an un-fused end such as, but not limited to, a wreaths, flowers, windows, doors, etc.
In another embodiment of the invention, a decorative light set for providing decorative lighting comprises a light
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to decorative lights and, more particularly, to fiber optic based decorative lights or ornaments.
Fiber optic Christmas trees are well known such as the one illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 5,422,797 issued June 6, 1995 to Shattan. In a fiber optic Christmas tree, individual optical fibers, or strands, are arranged on the tree to provide illumination. A light source is, e.g., located at the base of the tree. The light source can utilize a color-wheel, of one or more colors, so that the color of the light emitted by each strand changes over time.
Unfortunately, a portion of the consumer market does not care for fiber optic trees for the simple reason that they "lack light." In other words, the intensity of the light output from each of the strands of optical fiber is dimmer in comparison to a more conventional Christmas tree utilizing electric light bulbs for illumination.
However, electric ligh't sets for use as decorative items on, e.g., a Christmas tree, are not without their own problems. For example, although one can typically change their blinking frequency - one cannot change the overall color pattern once the electric lights are on the Christmas tree.
In addition, and of even more concern, is their reliability -an electric bulb may fail. Indeed, depending on the design of the light set, a single electric bulb failure may cause a number of other bulbs to stop working. In this case, repair is somewhat problematic as one must first locate the failed bulb, which can be time-consuming. In addition, if a failure occurs while the light set is on the Christmas tree -intermixed with garland and other ornaments - it may be very inconvenient and difficult to repair. As a result of the reliability issue, common sense dictates that a string of bulbs 'be tested beforehand - again a labor and time-consuming -I-effort. Regardless, spending the time to test an electric bulb set before placement on the Christmas tree does not ensure a bulb will not fail once arranged on the Christmas tree.
in view of the above, further improvements in decorative lighting arrangements would be desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the invention provides a decorative light assembly comprising a plurality of optical fibers formed into a bundle having a length greater than one inch, the bundle having a first end for.receiva.ng light, and a second end that is fused for providing the received light as decorative illumination. The fusing of the individual optical fibers at the second end of the bundle results in a mixing, or combining, of the light from each of the individual strands.
Thus, the overall illumination from the fused end is brighter than the light from an individual strand and is comparable, if not better than, the illumination from an electric light bulb.
In addition, the reliability of such a decorative light assembly is better than that of an electric light bulb since there is no bulb to fail.
In an ernbodiment of the invention, an ornament such as a Christmas tree is decorated with a number of optical bundles, each optical bundle having a fused end and an un-fused end.
The Christmas tree includes a light. source for coupling light into the un-fused end. Illumination, or decorative lighting, of the Christmas tree is provided by the light emitted from the fused ends of the optical bundles.
In other embodiments of the invention, other ornaments, objects or items, are decorated with optical bundles having a fused end and an un-fused end such as, but not limited to, a wreaths, flowers, windows, doors, etc.
In another embodiment of the invention, a decorative light set for providing decorative lighting comprises a light
-2-source and number of optical bundles for coupling to the light source and wherein each optical bundle has a fused end.
In. another embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing an optical bundle comprises the steps of collecting a plurality of optical fibers together to form an optical bundle; and heating at least one end of the optical bundle to fuse, or weld, the individual strands together.
In another aspect of the invention, the fused end of the optical bundle is formed into a shape. for example, one shape resembles an electric light bulb.
According to the present invention then, there is provided a decorative light assembly, comprising a plurality of optical fibers formed into a bundle, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch;
and a lens covering at least a portion of the bundle at the second end, the lens defining a light combining region for combining the light received in each of the optical fibers.
According to another aspect of the present invention, 20, there is also provided a decorative light assembly, comprising a plurality of optical fibers formed into a bundle, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch, each of the optical fibers being formed without a sheath so that each optical fiber can directly contact adjacent optical fibers; wherein the first end of the bundle includes unfused ends of the optical fibers and the second end of the bundle includes ends of the optical fibers fused directly to one another to form a light emitting region.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a light set package for use in decorating an object, the light set package comprising a plurality of optical fiber bundles, each bundle comprising at least N optical fibers, where N> 1, each bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the
In. another embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing an optical bundle comprises the steps of collecting a plurality of optical fibers together to form an optical bundle; and heating at least one end of the optical bundle to fuse, or weld, the individual strands together.
In another aspect of the invention, the fused end of the optical bundle is formed into a shape. for example, one shape resembles an electric light bulb.
According to the present invention then, there is provided a decorative light assembly, comprising a plurality of optical fibers formed into a bundle, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch;
and a lens covering at least a portion of the bundle at the second end, the lens defining a light combining region for combining the light received in each of the optical fibers.
According to another aspect of the present invention, 20, there is also provided a decorative light assembly, comprising a plurality of optical fibers formed into a bundle, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch, each of the optical fibers being formed without a sheath so that each optical fiber can directly contact adjacent optical fibers; wherein the first end of the bundle includes unfused ends of the optical fibers and the second end of the bundle includes ends of the optical fibers fused directly to one another to form a light emitting region.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a light set package for use in decorating an object, the light set package comprising a plurality of optical fiber bundles, each bundle comprising at least N optical fibers, where N> 1, each bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the
-3-received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch; a light source for providing light to the first end of at least one of the bundles; and a lens covering at least a portion of the at least one bundle at the second end, the lens defining a light combining region for combining the light received in each of the optical fibers.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a light set package for use in decorating an object, the light set package comprising a plurality of optical fiber bundles, each bundle comprising at least N optical fibers, where N> 1, each bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch, each,of the optical fibers being formed without a sheath so that each optical fiber can directly contact adjacent optical fibers; and a light source for providing light to the first end of at least one of the bundles; wherein the first end of the at least one bundle includes un-fused ends of the optical fibers and the second end of the at least one bundle includes ends of the optical fibers fused directly to one another to form a light emitting region.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus, comprising at least one bundle of optical fibers, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch;
a light source for providing light to the first end of the at least one bundle; and a lens covering at least a portion of the at least one bundle at the second end, the lens defining a light combining region for combining the light received in each of the optical fibers.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus, comprising at least one bundle of optical fibers, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received liqht -3a-as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch, each of the optical fibers being formed without a sheath so that each optical fiber can directly contact adjacent optical f ibers ; and a light source for providing light to the first end of the at least one bundle; wherein the first end of the at least one bundle includes un-fused ends of the optical fibers and the second end of the at least one bundle includes ends of the optical fibers fused directly to one another to form a light emitting region.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a decorative light assembly, the method comprising forming a plurality of optical fibers into a bundle, the bundle having a first end, a second end and a length greater than one inch, each of the optical fibers being formed without a sheath so that each optical fiber can directly contact adjacent optical fibers; and heating at least a portion of the second end of the bundle to at least a temperature that causes the optical fibers in the portion of the second end of the bundle to fuse directly to one another to form a light emitting region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. .1 and 2 show an illustrative embodiment of a decorative light assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 3 shows an illustrative optical bundle in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 4 shows another illustrative embodiment of a decorative light assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 5-7 show illustrative Christmas trees in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 8 shows an illustrative wreath in accordance with the principles of the invention;
-3b-FIG. 9 shows an illustrative light set in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 10 shows an illustrative window in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIGS. 11-14 show an illustrative process for manufacturing a decorative light assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 15 shows an illustrative shape for use in manufacturing a decorative light assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention; and FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of a decorative light assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention.
-3c-DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 shows a side view of a decorative light assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention. It should be noted that the illustrations shown in the FIGS. are not to scale and some illustrations, such as FIG. 1, have been exaggerated for purposes of description. In addition, other than the inventive concept, the elements shown in the figures are well known and will not be described in detail herein.
Like numbers in each of the figures represent similar elements.
Optical bundle 100 comprises a number of optical fibers, or strands, 120-1 through 120-N. Each strand is represented by a thick black line. As known in the art, a strand comprises a cladding material (not shown) surrounding a core material (not show), which provides the medium for light propagation. In accordance with the inventive concept, any type, size, and composition of optical fiber may be used. In fact, different types of optical fibers may be used in the same optical bundle. For the purposes of this example, the number of optical fibers in an optical bundle may be in the range of 12 to 15, each strand on the order of 4 to 7 mils (thousandths of an inch) in thickness. It should be noted that the inventive concept is not so limited. For example, any number of optical fibers, N> 2, may be used and the thickness of an optical fiber can be less than 4 mils or greater than 7 mils. Indeed, some or all of the optical fibers in a bundle may even differ in thickness. Surrounding these strands is a covering, or sheath 105, represented by a dashed 1ine. Sheath 105 can be, e.g., a colored tape, or paper wrapping. The color of sheath 105 may be selected to match the surroundings so as to hide, to an extent, the presence of optical bundle 100. For example, if optical bundle 100 is to be arranged on a green-colored Christmas tree, the color of sheath 105 may be green to match that of the tree. It should be noted that FIG. 1 is'a two-dimensional -A-representation of optical bundle 100 in an x-y plane. While optical bundle 100 may be in the form of a ribbon and the strands arranged in just the x-y plane, a preferred embodiment arranges the strands of .optical bundle 100 in three dimensions, e.g., along the z-axis shown in FIG. 1.
As illustrated in FIG- 1, optical bundle 100 has two ends - strand end 110 and fused end 125. Strand end 110 comprises the individual optical fibers and illu5tratively extends beyond sheath 105. Strand end 110 is coupled to a light source (not shown). At the opposite end of optical bundle 100 is fused end 125. In fused end 125.each of the strands 120-1 to 120-N are, in accordance with the principles of the invention, fused, or melted together. This "fusing" of each of the strands is represented by the crosshatched area of fused end 125. The fusing of the individual optical fibers at the second end of optical bundle 100 results in a mixing, or combining, of the light from each of the individual strands.
That is, the creation of a light combining region. Thus, the overall illumination from fused end 125 is brighter than the light from an individual strand (such as strand 120-1) and is comparable, if not better than, the illumination from an electric light bulb (not shown). in fact, the white light available from an optical bundle may be crisper, i.e., appear "whiter" than the white light available from a conventional electric bulb. In addition, the reliability of such a decorative light assembly is better than that of an electric light bulb since there is no bulb to fail. As shown in FIG.
1, there may be a gap 124 between the fused end 125 and sheath 105.
Turning now to FIG. 2, a front view of optical bundle 100 is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 2, optical bundle 100 extends in the z-axis and the strands 120-1 to 120-N are fused together. As can be observed from E"IG. 2, optical bundle 100 comprises 14 strands (i.e., N= 14). However, any number of fibers may be used in an optical bundle. Indeed, the amount of illumination from an optical bundle can be varied by having -5_ more or less strands, thinner or thicker strands, and/or combinations thereof_ An actual black and white image of an illustrative optical bundle in accordance with the principles of the invention is shown in FIG. 3.
Another illustrative embodiment is shown in FIG. 4.
Optical bundle 400 is similar to optical bundle 100 of FIG. 1 except that one or more optical fibers are not a part of fused end 425. In this example, two fibers, 420-1 and 420-N, are not included in the plurality of optical fibers having fused end 425. It should be noted that it is not required that these single strands emit any light and may be merely for decoration around fused end 425.
Another illustrative embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. A
Christmas tree 300 comprises a tree portion 305 supported by a light box 350. The latter serves as a light source and may include a color wheel comprising one, or more, colors. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, arranged on tree 300 are a number of optical bundles, N, as represented by optical bundles 310-1, 310-2, 310-3 and 310-N. Each -optica;
bundle has a fused end, as represented by the enlarged ball shape (e.g., 311-1), and an un-fused end (not shown) disposed in light box 350. It should be noted that other ornaments, and even other light ornaments (e.g., electric bulbs, single strand fibers) may also be decorated on tree 300. The light source (not shown) of light box 350 provides light to the un-fused end of each optical bundle. The light is guided by each strand of an optical bundle towards the fused end. Upon reaching the fused end, the light from each strand combines to provide a level of illumination comparable to, if not brighter than, an electric bulb.
FIG_ 6 illustrates another view of Christmas tree 300.
The latter comprises a center post or metal pole 303, around which each optical bundle (as represented by optical bundles 310-1 and 310-2) is placed, weaved or wrapped. It should be noted that the optical bundles themselves may be further covered, or wrapped, to hide the presence of the optical bundles in the tree. The illustrative optical bundles of FIG.
6 are arranged along branches 306 and 307. Along each branch an optical bundle may be wrapped or attached via a clip (not shown). However, the arrangement of the optical bundles on the tree can be in any fashion. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the un-fused ends of each optical bundle, e.g., un-fused end 312-2, are disposed in light box 350. The latter comprises a light source 360 (e.g., a bulb), a power source (not shown) and, optionally, a color wheel 365. Light from light source 360 is emitted generally along the direction of arrow 361 to pass through color wheel 365 and then enter the un-fused end of the N optical bundles as represented by un-fused end 312-2.
The light is guided by each strand of an optical bundle towards the fused end, as described above.
As noted above, any number of optical bundles may decorate a tree. The number will depend on the height of the tree and the intended decorative affect. For example, a tree with a height 8 feet may have on the order of 400 to 500 optical bundles as decoration. It can also have as few as one optical bundle. It should also be noted that a tree can come in one or more sections for ease of assembly. In addition, it can easily be observed from FIGS_ 5 and 6 that optical bundles will come in different lengths. For example optical.bundle 310-2 is shorter than optical bundle 310-1. Consequently, optical bundle 310-1 will attenuate the light more than optical bundle 310-2. This attenuation may become more noticeable in a taller tree (e.g., an 8 foot tree). As such, in taller trees it may be preferable to have multiple light boxes to compensate for this optical attenuation. For example, a bottom light box as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 for providing light to optical bundles on, e.g., the lower half of the tree, and another light box arranged towards the top of the tree for providing light to the remaining optical bundles. This is illustrated in FIG_ 7 where the length of optical bundle 310-1 has been shorted by coupling to light box 390 instead of light box 350. Light box 390 may be coupled to the tree in any fashion.
Another embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention is shown in FIG. 8. A wreath, or garland, 605 is decorated with one or more optical bundles, as represented by optical bundles 610-1 and 610-2, which are coupled to a light source 650_ In accordance with another aspect of the invention, attention should be turned to FIG. 9, which illustrates another embodiment. A light set package 705 comprises a number of optical bundles, 710-1, 720-2 and 710-N. Each optical bundle has a fused end (e.g., fused end 711-1 of optical bundle 710-1) and an un-fused end (e.g., un-fused end 712-1 of optical bundle 710-1). Light set package 705 also includes a light source 750 for coupling to the un-fused ends of the optical bundles. Light source 750 is similar to the light box described above and includes, e.g., a bulb, optional color wheel and a power source (or means for coupling thereto). The optical bundles of light set package 705 may be of differing lengths.
Such a light set package can be used to decorate not only trees and wreaths but also other items. An illustrative embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, a window 805 is decorated with one, or more, optical bundles as represented by optical bundles 810-1 and 810-2. The un-fused ends of the optical bundles are coupled to light source 850.
The latter is similar to the light box described above and includes, e.g., a bulb, optional color wheel and a power source (or means for coupling thereto).
An illustrative process for manufacturing an optical bundle in accordance with the principles of the invention is shown in FIG. 11. In step 905 a plurality of optical fibers or strands of approximately the same length are colSected together to form a bundle. In step 910, at least one end of the optical bundle is fused together. In step 915, the optical bundle is wrapped. It should be noted that the optical bundle may be wrapped, e.g., in a sheath, before fusing. However, in such a case care should be taken with respect to that portion of the wrapping that is in close proximity to - what will be - the fused end of the optical bundle due to heat from the fusing, or melting, process_ FIG5. 12-14 further illustrates step 910 of FIG. 11.
Turning first to FIG. 12, as a result of step 905 of FIG. 11, an optical bundle 5 comprises a plurality of optical fibers, or strands, 10-1 to 10-N. Optical bundle 5 is moved in the direction of arrow 2 towards a hot plate 15 (e.g., a steel plate heated to a temperature suitable to fuse, or melt, the fibers). Turning now to FIG. 13, end 9 of optical bundle 5 is pressed against hot plate. 15 - thus melting or fusing that end of optical bundle 5. As shown in FIG. 14, after, e.g., 1/16 of an inch of the optical bundle has been fused, optical bundle 5 is removed from contacting the surface of hot plate 15. The resulting fused portion of optical bundle 5 - fused end 25 - may have a larger nominal size cross-section than the nominal size cross-section of the remainder of optical bundle 5. This is illustrated in FIG. 14 by the existence of flared portion 26 of fused end 25. Illustratively, the flared portion 26 is on the order of 1/16 of an inch. This flared portion may be removed, e.g., cut-off, or may be left as is to ease the manufacturing process. Indeed, the flared portion can also be increased in size (by continued meltinq of that end of the bundle).
In another aspect of the invention, the fused end of the optical bundle is'formed into a shape by, e.g., placing end 9 of optical bundle 5 of FIGS. 12-14 into a mold (not shown), which is then heated to fuse the strands therein into the particular shape. As end 9 of optical bundle 5 melts, optical bundle 5 is pressed into the mold until the mold is 'filled with melted material, at which point the process is terminated. Illustrative shapes may include, e.g., the shape of an electric light bulb as illustrated in FIG. 15 by mold 95. It should be noted that other methods of shaping the end may be used such as, but not limited to, filing, abrasion, etc.
Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 16.
In this embodiment, a light combining region is formed - not by fusing or melting the individual strands - but by placement of the individual strands of end 9 of optical bundle 5 into a shaped cover 65, e.g., a bulb shell (e.g., the form of a bulb) or lens.
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is, to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. For example, the optical bundles may also decorate other ornaments or items, e.g., doors, doorways etc., etc. 'It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative elnbodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended.claims.
-zo-
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a light set package for use in decorating an object, the light set package comprising a plurality of optical fiber bundles, each bundle comprising at least N optical fibers, where N> 1, each bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch, each,of the optical fibers being formed without a sheath so that each optical fiber can directly contact adjacent optical fibers; and a light source for providing light to the first end of at least one of the bundles; wherein the first end of the at least one bundle includes un-fused ends of the optical fibers and the second end of the at least one bundle includes ends of the optical fibers fused directly to one another to form a light emitting region.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus, comprising at least one bundle of optical fibers, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch;
a light source for providing light to the first end of the at least one bundle; and a lens covering at least a portion of the at least one bundle at the second end, the lens defining a light combining region for combining the light received in each of the optical fibers.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus, comprising at least one bundle of optical fibers, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received liqht -3a-as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch, each of the optical fibers being formed without a sheath so that each optical fiber can directly contact adjacent optical f ibers ; and a light source for providing light to the first end of the at least one bundle; wherein the first end of the at least one bundle includes un-fused ends of the optical fibers and the second end of the at least one bundle includes ends of the optical fibers fused directly to one another to form a light emitting region.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a decorative light assembly, the method comprising forming a plurality of optical fibers into a bundle, the bundle having a first end, a second end and a length greater than one inch, each of the optical fibers being formed without a sheath so that each optical fiber can directly contact adjacent optical fibers; and heating at least a portion of the second end of the bundle to at least a temperature that causes the optical fibers in the portion of the second end of the bundle to fuse directly to one another to form a light emitting region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. .1 and 2 show an illustrative embodiment of a decorative light assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 3 shows an illustrative optical bundle in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 4 shows another illustrative embodiment of a decorative light assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 5-7 show illustrative Christmas trees in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 8 shows an illustrative wreath in accordance with the principles of the invention;
-3b-FIG. 9 shows an illustrative light set in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 10 shows an illustrative window in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIGS. 11-14 show an illustrative process for manufacturing a decorative light assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIG. 15 shows an illustrative shape for use in manufacturing a decorative light assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention; and FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of a decorative light assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention.
-3c-DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 shows a side view of a decorative light assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention. It should be noted that the illustrations shown in the FIGS. are not to scale and some illustrations, such as FIG. 1, have been exaggerated for purposes of description. In addition, other than the inventive concept, the elements shown in the figures are well known and will not be described in detail herein.
Like numbers in each of the figures represent similar elements.
Optical bundle 100 comprises a number of optical fibers, or strands, 120-1 through 120-N. Each strand is represented by a thick black line. As known in the art, a strand comprises a cladding material (not shown) surrounding a core material (not show), which provides the medium for light propagation. In accordance with the inventive concept, any type, size, and composition of optical fiber may be used. In fact, different types of optical fibers may be used in the same optical bundle. For the purposes of this example, the number of optical fibers in an optical bundle may be in the range of 12 to 15, each strand on the order of 4 to 7 mils (thousandths of an inch) in thickness. It should be noted that the inventive concept is not so limited. For example, any number of optical fibers, N> 2, may be used and the thickness of an optical fiber can be less than 4 mils or greater than 7 mils. Indeed, some or all of the optical fibers in a bundle may even differ in thickness. Surrounding these strands is a covering, or sheath 105, represented by a dashed 1ine. Sheath 105 can be, e.g., a colored tape, or paper wrapping. The color of sheath 105 may be selected to match the surroundings so as to hide, to an extent, the presence of optical bundle 100. For example, if optical bundle 100 is to be arranged on a green-colored Christmas tree, the color of sheath 105 may be green to match that of the tree. It should be noted that FIG. 1 is'a two-dimensional -A-representation of optical bundle 100 in an x-y plane. While optical bundle 100 may be in the form of a ribbon and the strands arranged in just the x-y plane, a preferred embodiment arranges the strands of .optical bundle 100 in three dimensions, e.g., along the z-axis shown in FIG. 1.
As illustrated in FIG- 1, optical bundle 100 has two ends - strand end 110 and fused end 125. Strand end 110 comprises the individual optical fibers and illu5tratively extends beyond sheath 105. Strand end 110 is coupled to a light source (not shown). At the opposite end of optical bundle 100 is fused end 125. In fused end 125.each of the strands 120-1 to 120-N are, in accordance with the principles of the invention, fused, or melted together. This "fusing" of each of the strands is represented by the crosshatched area of fused end 125. The fusing of the individual optical fibers at the second end of optical bundle 100 results in a mixing, or combining, of the light from each of the individual strands.
That is, the creation of a light combining region. Thus, the overall illumination from fused end 125 is brighter than the light from an individual strand (such as strand 120-1) and is comparable, if not better than, the illumination from an electric light bulb (not shown). in fact, the white light available from an optical bundle may be crisper, i.e., appear "whiter" than the white light available from a conventional electric bulb. In addition, the reliability of such a decorative light assembly is better than that of an electric light bulb since there is no bulb to fail. As shown in FIG.
1, there may be a gap 124 between the fused end 125 and sheath 105.
Turning now to FIG. 2, a front view of optical bundle 100 is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 2, optical bundle 100 extends in the z-axis and the strands 120-1 to 120-N are fused together. As can be observed from E"IG. 2, optical bundle 100 comprises 14 strands (i.e., N= 14). However, any number of fibers may be used in an optical bundle. Indeed, the amount of illumination from an optical bundle can be varied by having -5_ more or less strands, thinner or thicker strands, and/or combinations thereof_ An actual black and white image of an illustrative optical bundle in accordance with the principles of the invention is shown in FIG. 3.
Another illustrative embodiment is shown in FIG. 4.
Optical bundle 400 is similar to optical bundle 100 of FIG. 1 except that one or more optical fibers are not a part of fused end 425. In this example, two fibers, 420-1 and 420-N, are not included in the plurality of optical fibers having fused end 425. It should be noted that it is not required that these single strands emit any light and may be merely for decoration around fused end 425.
Another illustrative embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. A
Christmas tree 300 comprises a tree portion 305 supported by a light box 350. The latter serves as a light source and may include a color wheel comprising one, or more, colors. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, arranged on tree 300 are a number of optical bundles, N, as represented by optical bundles 310-1, 310-2, 310-3 and 310-N. Each -optica;
bundle has a fused end, as represented by the enlarged ball shape (e.g., 311-1), and an un-fused end (not shown) disposed in light box 350. It should be noted that other ornaments, and even other light ornaments (e.g., electric bulbs, single strand fibers) may also be decorated on tree 300. The light source (not shown) of light box 350 provides light to the un-fused end of each optical bundle. The light is guided by each strand of an optical bundle towards the fused end. Upon reaching the fused end, the light from each strand combines to provide a level of illumination comparable to, if not brighter than, an electric bulb.
FIG_ 6 illustrates another view of Christmas tree 300.
The latter comprises a center post or metal pole 303, around which each optical bundle (as represented by optical bundles 310-1 and 310-2) is placed, weaved or wrapped. It should be noted that the optical bundles themselves may be further covered, or wrapped, to hide the presence of the optical bundles in the tree. The illustrative optical bundles of FIG.
6 are arranged along branches 306 and 307. Along each branch an optical bundle may be wrapped or attached via a clip (not shown). However, the arrangement of the optical bundles on the tree can be in any fashion. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the un-fused ends of each optical bundle, e.g., un-fused end 312-2, are disposed in light box 350. The latter comprises a light source 360 (e.g., a bulb), a power source (not shown) and, optionally, a color wheel 365. Light from light source 360 is emitted generally along the direction of arrow 361 to pass through color wheel 365 and then enter the un-fused end of the N optical bundles as represented by un-fused end 312-2.
The light is guided by each strand of an optical bundle towards the fused end, as described above.
As noted above, any number of optical bundles may decorate a tree. The number will depend on the height of the tree and the intended decorative affect. For example, a tree with a height 8 feet may have on the order of 400 to 500 optical bundles as decoration. It can also have as few as one optical bundle. It should also be noted that a tree can come in one or more sections for ease of assembly. In addition, it can easily be observed from FIGS_ 5 and 6 that optical bundles will come in different lengths. For example optical.bundle 310-2 is shorter than optical bundle 310-1. Consequently, optical bundle 310-1 will attenuate the light more than optical bundle 310-2. This attenuation may become more noticeable in a taller tree (e.g., an 8 foot tree). As such, in taller trees it may be preferable to have multiple light boxes to compensate for this optical attenuation. For example, a bottom light box as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 for providing light to optical bundles on, e.g., the lower half of the tree, and another light box arranged towards the top of the tree for providing light to the remaining optical bundles. This is illustrated in FIG_ 7 where the length of optical bundle 310-1 has been shorted by coupling to light box 390 instead of light box 350. Light box 390 may be coupled to the tree in any fashion.
Another embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention is shown in FIG. 8. A wreath, or garland, 605 is decorated with one or more optical bundles, as represented by optical bundles 610-1 and 610-2, which are coupled to a light source 650_ In accordance with another aspect of the invention, attention should be turned to FIG. 9, which illustrates another embodiment. A light set package 705 comprises a number of optical bundles, 710-1, 720-2 and 710-N. Each optical bundle has a fused end (e.g., fused end 711-1 of optical bundle 710-1) and an un-fused end (e.g., un-fused end 712-1 of optical bundle 710-1). Light set package 705 also includes a light source 750 for coupling to the un-fused ends of the optical bundles. Light source 750 is similar to the light box described above and includes, e.g., a bulb, optional color wheel and a power source (or means for coupling thereto). The optical bundles of light set package 705 may be of differing lengths.
Such a light set package can be used to decorate not only trees and wreaths but also other items. An illustrative embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, a window 805 is decorated with one, or more, optical bundles as represented by optical bundles 810-1 and 810-2. The un-fused ends of the optical bundles are coupled to light source 850.
The latter is similar to the light box described above and includes, e.g., a bulb, optional color wheel and a power source (or means for coupling thereto).
An illustrative process for manufacturing an optical bundle in accordance with the principles of the invention is shown in FIG. 11. In step 905 a plurality of optical fibers or strands of approximately the same length are colSected together to form a bundle. In step 910, at least one end of the optical bundle is fused together. In step 915, the optical bundle is wrapped. It should be noted that the optical bundle may be wrapped, e.g., in a sheath, before fusing. However, in such a case care should be taken with respect to that portion of the wrapping that is in close proximity to - what will be - the fused end of the optical bundle due to heat from the fusing, or melting, process_ FIG5. 12-14 further illustrates step 910 of FIG. 11.
Turning first to FIG. 12, as a result of step 905 of FIG. 11, an optical bundle 5 comprises a plurality of optical fibers, or strands, 10-1 to 10-N. Optical bundle 5 is moved in the direction of arrow 2 towards a hot plate 15 (e.g., a steel plate heated to a temperature suitable to fuse, or melt, the fibers). Turning now to FIG. 13, end 9 of optical bundle 5 is pressed against hot plate. 15 - thus melting or fusing that end of optical bundle 5. As shown in FIG. 14, after, e.g., 1/16 of an inch of the optical bundle has been fused, optical bundle 5 is removed from contacting the surface of hot plate 15. The resulting fused portion of optical bundle 5 - fused end 25 - may have a larger nominal size cross-section than the nominal size cross-section of the remainder of optical bundle 5. This is illustrated in FIG. 14 by the existence of flared portion 26 of fused end 25. Illustratively, the flared portion 26 is on the order of 1/16 of an inch. This flared portion may be removed, e.g., cut-off, or may be left as is to ease the manufacturing process. Indeed, the flared portion can also be increased in size (by continued meltinq of that end of the bundle).
In another aspect of the invention, the fused end of the optical bundle is'formed into a shape by, e.g., placing end 9 of optical bundle 5 of FIGS. 12-14 into a mold (not shown), which is then heated to fuse the strands therein into the particular shape. As end 9 of optical bundle 5 melts, optical bundle 5 is pressed into the mold until the mold is 'filled with melted material, at which point the process is terminated. Illustrative shapes may include, e.g., the shape of an electric light bulb as illustrated in FIG. 15 by mold 95. It should be noted that other methods of shaping the end may be used such as, but not limited to, filing, abrasion, etc.
Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 16.
In this embodiment, a light combining region is formed - not by fusing or melting the individual strands - but by placement of the individual strands of end 9 of optical bundle 5 into a shaped cover 65, e.g., a bulb shell (e.g., the form of a bulb) or lens.
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is, to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. For example, the optical bundles may also decorate other ornaments or items, e.g., doors, doorways etc., etc. 'It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative elnbodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended.claims.
-zo-
Claims (6)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A decorative light assembly, comprising:
a plurality of optical fibers formed into a bundle, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch; and a lens covering at least a portion of the bundle at the second end, the lens defining a light combining region for combining the light received in each of the optical fibers.
a plurality of optical fibers formed into a bundle, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch; and a lens covering at least a portion of the bundle at the second end, the lens defining a light combining region for combining the light received in each of the optical fibers.
2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one optical fiber that is separate from the light combining region.
3. A light set package for use in decorating an object, the light set package comprising:
a plurality of optical fiber bundles, each bundle comprising at least N optical fibers, where N > 1, each bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch;
a light source for providing light to the first end of at least one of the bundles; and a lens covering at least a portion of the at least one bundle at the second end, the lens defining a light combining region for combining the light received in each of the optical fibers.
a plurality of optical fiber bundles, each bundle comprising at least N optical fibers, where N > 1, each bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch;
a light source for providing light to the first end of at least one of the bundles; and a lens covering at least a portion of the at least one bundle at the second end, the lens defining a light combining region for combining the light received in each of the optical fibers.
4. The package of claim 3, wherein the at least one bundle includes at least one optical fiber that is separate from the light combining region.
5. Apparatus, comprising:
at least one bundle of optical fibers, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch;
a light source for providing light to the first end of the at least one bundle; and a lens covering at least a portion of the at least one bundle at the second end, the lens defining a light combining region for combining the light received in each of the optical fibers.
at least one bundle of optical fibers, the bundle having a first end for receiving light, a second end for providing the received light as decorative illumination and a length greater than one inch;
a light source for providing light to the first end of the at least one bundle; and a lens covering at least a portion of the at least one bundle at the second end, the lens defining a light combining region for combining the light received in each of the optical fibers.
6. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising at least one optical fiber that is separate from the light combining region.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002407969A CA2407969C (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2002-10-11 | Fiber optic based light ornament |
| US10/269,821 US6979111B2 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2002-10-11 | Fiber optic based light ornament |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002407969A CA2407969C (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2002-10-11 | Fiber optic based light ornament |
| US10/269,821 US6979111B2 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2002-10-11 | Fiber optic based light ornament |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2407969A1 CA2407969A1 (en) | 2004-04-11 |
| CA2407969C true CA2407969C (en) | 2007-07-03 |
Family
ID=32963045
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002407969A Expired - Fee Related CA2407969C (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2002-10-11 | Fiber optic based light ornament |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6979111B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2407969C (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7491232B2 (en) * | 1998-09-18 | 2009-02-17 | Aptus Endosystems, Inc. | Catheter-based fastener implantation apparatus and methods with implantation force resolution |
| US20060203509A1 (en) * | 2005-03-10 | 2006-09-14 | Curtis Simpson | Fiber Optic Enhanced Party Decorations |
| US20080180971A1 (en) | 2007-01-26 | 2008-07-31 | Carl Stephen Booth | Illumination fiber optic ribbon |
| US20080273348A1 (en) * | 2008-04-18 | 2008-11-06 | Cameleon Products Llc | Artificial Illuminated Plant Display |
| US8282256B1 (en) | 2008-09-26 | 2012-10-09 | Pike John K | Decorative lighting system |
| CN201404025Y (en) * | 2009-05-26 | 2010-02-17 | 郭可颂 | Christmas wave ring |
| US10652974B2 (en) * | 2018-07-20 | 2020-05-12 | The Boeing Company | Fiber optic twinkling star patterns by means of light engine and specialized optics |
| CN115823517A (en) * | 2021-09-16 | 2023-03-21 | 台州共创灯饰有限公司 | Optical fiber festive lantern |
Family Cites Families (21)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3766376A (en) * | 1972-03-02 | 1973-10-16 | Noma World Wide Inc | Artificial christmas tree illuminated by optic fiber sprays |
| GB1427539A (en) * | 1973-06-14 | 1976-03-10 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | Optical fibre bundles |
| US4279031A (en) | 1980-03-14 | 1981-07-14 | Vanzetti Infrared & Computer Systems, Inc. | Luminous clock display using optical fibers |
| US5021928A (en) * | 1982-09-29 | 1991-06-04 | Maurice Daniel | Flat panel illumination system |
| US4597030A (en) | 1985-01-31 | 1986-06-24 | American Hospital Supply Corporation | Surgical illuminator |
| US4884865A (en) | 1986-09-26 | 1989-12-05 | Flexwatt Corporation | Fiber optic lens and lamp assembly and method for installing same under floor covering and the like |
| US4932747A (en) * | 1989-09-07 | 1990-06-12 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Fiber bundle homogenizer and method utilizing same |
| US5104608A (en) | 1991-08-12 | 1992-04-14 | Pickering Harold J | Programmable Christmas tree |
| US5306366A (en) | 1992-06-30 | 1994-04-26 | Shattan Marcia J | Method of manufacturing an illuminated artificial tree |
| FR2699292B1 (en) * | 1992-12-15 | 1995-03-03 | France Telecom | Method for the preparation by multiple lensing of an optical fiber for optimum coupling with a phototransducer and optical system obtained. |
| US5838860A (en) * | 1993-05-21 | 1998-11-17 | Super Vision International, Inc. | Fiber optic light source apparatus and method |
| US5558422A (en) | 1995-07-17 | 1996-09-24 | Sanford; Jeffrey M. | Decorative fiber optic light |
| US5639157A (en) | 1995-10-03 | 1997-06-17 | Yeh; Ren Shan | Decorative string lighting system |
| JP2866343B2 (en) | 1996-03-28 | 1999-03-08 | 金井 宏彰 | Imitation tree |
| US5702170A (en) | 1996-05-28 | 1997-12-30 | Broderick; James H. | Fiber optics Christmas tree |
| US5820248A (en) | 1997-08-04 | 1998-10-13 | Ferguson; Raymond K. | Fiber optic Christmas tree |
| US6304694B1 (en) * | 1998-03-07 | 2001-10-16 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Method and device for aligning optical fibers in an optical fiber array |
| US6056427A (en) | 1998-08-28 | 2000-05-02 | Boto (Licenses) Limited | Artificial tree with optical fibre illumination and assembly method thereof |
| CN1137824C (en) | 2000-02-01 | 2004-02-11 | 李锦辉 | Optical fibre thicket of decorative article and its constituting method |
| US6431740B1 (en) | 2000-05-18 | 2002-08-13 | Anthony Puleo | Fiber optic Christmas tree |
| US6386746B1 (en) | 2000-06-15 | 2002-05-14 | Boto (Licenses) Limited | Optical fibre artificial tree or foliage article |
-
2002
- 2002-10-11 US US10/269,821 patent/US6979111B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-10-11 CA CA002407969A patent/CA2407969C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2407969A1 (en) | 2004-04-11 |
| US6979111B2 (en) | 2005-12-27 |
| US20040070992A1 (en) | 2004-04-15 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4777571A (en) | Christmas tree lighting utilizing fiber optics | |
| US7753557B2 (en) | Formed lighting fixtures | |
| US3564233A (en) | Fiber optics illumination system | |
| CA2460040C (en) | Optical fiber decoration devices and decoration items using led light source | |
| US7192161B1 (en) | Fluorescent illumination device | |
| US5517390A (en) | Fiber-optic illuminated artificial Christmas tree | |
| US20060028837A1 (en) | Curvilinear LED light source | |
| US20170108185A1 (en) | Vine lamp and production method thereof | |
| ES2162864T3 (en) | OPTICAL FIBER CABLE LATERAL LIGHTING. | |
| CA2407969C (en) | Fiber optic based light ornament | |
| US7628524B2 (en) | Decorations with optic fibers | |
| US6601971B1 (en) | Elongated rope light with multiple color sections | |
| CN101122368A (en) | Bending-resistant flexible neon tube lamp | |
| US7837351B2 (en) | Luminous assembly having a fiber-formed shaped part | |
| US6955581B1 (en) | Light-decorative puppet luminous flux driving device | |
| US5606637A (en) | Decorative fiber optic light fixture and methods of making same | |
| US6595659B2 (en) | Colorful decorative light | |
| US5876112A (en) | Decorative lamp assembly | |
| US6086235A (en) | Light spot generating ornaments | |
| KR20090112179A (en) | Lighting apparatus using optical fiber | |
| US11604309B2 (en) | Fiber optic tinsel garland having a spiral fiber optic and a fiber optic bundle at an end thereof | |
| CN2568958Y (en) | Plastic optical fiber luminaire for decoration | |
| JP3214363B2 (en) | Luminous decorative body | |
| JP4053661B2 (en) | Optical transmission equipment | |
| JP3704234B2 (en) | Tree decoration method and apparatus |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |